SINKING OF THE BALLARAT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 14285, 30 April 1917, Page 3

SINKING OF THE BALLARAT.

SPLENDID DISCIPLINE OF THE

AUSTRALIANS.

ONLY ONE CASUALTY

(United Service.)

LONDON, April 29

Details of the sinking of the Ballarat, at tlie entrance to the English Channel on the 25th, show that the troops aboard were practically all Victorian reinforcements. Owing to the us© of bad coal, the vessel's speed was reduced, and this also caused a largo beacon flame above the funnel. The men ascribe the torpedoing of the ship to thes© factors. The men were mustering on deck for j tha Anzac Day celebration, when a torpedo was seen approaching. . I The ' vessel swung and attempted to evade the missile, but too late. She quickly settled by the stern. A bugle called the men to stations, and inside four minutes everything was ready to abandon ship. The parade was marked by absolute calmness and cheeriness, the men singing as they took their places, all wearing lifebelts. The day was fine and the sea calm. To the calls of the officers:' "Keep steady!" the men replied, "It's all right, sir. We ar© all right !" Nine boats were lowered with men carrying pets and singing iii unison, "Australia Will be There.

Then the' engineers reported that the ship waa able to proceed with her remaining propeller, and the boats were recalled.

Volunteers" were asked for the stokehold, and hundreds volunteered. Forty men were selected, but were not allowed to go below, as the water was now gaining, and the ship appeared to be settling. The men were re-formed at their stations and ordered to board two trawlers which had arrived. *

The transhipment of the troops and some of the crew was quickly completed. The majority were without kits,' and* some only partially dressed, 'the officers not allowing them to break thetr ranks to securo their belongings. fi The only casualty of the torpedoingwag that a* private's shoulder was broken by flying splinters. Everybody had a great reception ' on landing. A number of vessels quickly responded to the' Ballarat's wireless-

The vessel was taken m tow, but saink before she could bo beached.